How to Create a Relaxing Guest Bedroom // Transitional Rustic Cottage Guest Bedroom

Creating a welcoming and relaxing guest bedroom is one of the most thoughtful ways to show hospitality to your friends and family. By combining comfort with stylish design, you can make your guests feel like they’re staying at a boutique hotel – but with all the warmth of home.

Today, we’re walking you through key tips to create the ultimate relaxing guest bedroom retreat while showcasing one of our projects – a transitional, rustic cottage guest bedroom with subtle touches of coastal and California casual vibes.

1. Start with a Neutral and Inviting Foundation

Bright white linens are always a classic choice for creating a clean and relaxing guest bedroom. Opt for high-quality cotton or linen bedding to ensure your guests sleep in luxury. Layer the bed with a mix of textures – think a quilt, duvet, and plush throw blankets – for a cozy, inviting look.

2. Incorporate Unique Furniture Pieces

This room features a stunning upholstered bed as the centerpiece, complemented by sage green nightstands that add a pop of muted color. The rustic dresser not only provides storage for your guests but also adds warmth and character to the space. A small chair near the bed serves as a functional touch for putting on shoes or resting belongings.

3. Add Soothing Colors and Patterns

A beautiful sage and blush rug grounds the room with soft, earthy tones. This subtle color palette keeps the space feeling serene and elegant, while the patterns in the rug add visual interest. Pairing the rug with white drapery keeps the overall aesthetic airy and light, nodding to coastal charm and California casual simplicity.

4. Feature Whimsical and Nature-Inspired Art

Artwork is essential for adding personality to a guest bedroom. In this design, whimsical photography and landscape sketches give the room a curated, intentional feel. Art pieces with calming themes, such as nature or abstract designs, are perfect for promoting relaxation.

5. Focus on Functional Lighting

Lighting can make or break a space, and here, black accordion lamps steal the show. These unique fixtures provide both style and function, offering adjustable lighting for bedtime reading or creating ambiance. Consider layering lighting with table lamps or floor lamps for added versatility.

6. Provide Thoughtful Guest Amenities

Details matter when hosting guests. Include a mirror so they can get ready comfortably, and leave space in the dresser for their clothing. Thoughtful touches like fresh flowers, a small stack of books, or a water carafe add an extra layer of care.

Design Boards & Sources
Use code PEGGYH15 for any Scout & Nimble items
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Alternate Concept

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Floorplan + Paint Color

The bed is centered on the back wall, creating symmetry and balance while leaving ample space for movement. The two sage green side tables flank the bed, each accompanied by chic table lamps, adding functionality and ambiance. A single chair is positioned along the bottom wall, offering a cozy spot for relaxing or putting on shoes. On the left-hand side, the rustic dresser provides ample storage, blending practicality with style.

Paint color is Marshmallow by Sherwin Williams

Thank you to our wonderful clients for allowing us share their great room design and sources with our readers. If you have any questions about the room or any sources, leave a comment below!

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A note about PHI Home: Some of the products linked in this post are to-the-trade pieces from our shop, PHI Home. Typically to-the-trade pieces are purchased exclusively by trade professionals (i.e. interior designers) at wholesale, and then resold to their clients at a markup. We are thrilled to offer everyone (not just our clients) access to our favorite trade furniture and décor! If you are interested in a different size or colorway, please reach out to us. Prices at PHI Home are never above the internet minimum advertised price “IMAP” (set by the manufacturer) plus shipping. Use coupon code PEGGYSAYSMIX to get a discount off the IMAP pricing! If you still find a lower price from another online retailer, send us an email at info@peggyhaddadinteriors.com, and we will price match (keep in mind our pricing includes threshold shipping)! When you shop with us for your quality furniture and décor needs, you are supporting our small business and the interior design industry, rather than a big-box retailer. Thank you! If you have any further questions about our shop, including our return policy, click here.

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